Nottingham Forest v Derby County - Tense match set for tie

Saturday’s other early kick-off brings about the first East Midlands derby of the new Championship campaign. Steve McClaren’s Nottingham Forest have the perfect opportunity to get their season back on track, with a win over Derby lifting some pressure, albeit for the time being.

A good atmosphere in the County Ground is a certainty as Derby have sold their ticket allocation out, and with local pride at stake, this match matters more than most to both sides.

The Reds are 10/11 with Ladbrokes to see off Nigel Clough’s side, and retain the Brian Clough Trophy. Forest did the double over the Rams last seasons, and how their fans would love it if they repeated the trick this term.

The corresponding fixture in January saw then-manager Billy Davies inspire his team to a 5-2 thrashing. Victor Chandler will pay 150/1 should lightning strike twice this weekend.

Derby are 4/1 with bet365 to pull off the away win, and go into the clash off the back of two successive league defeats. Having had a terrific opening month, the County boss will be doubly pleased if he gets back to winning ways in Nottingham and take back the trophy which bares his father’s name.

The draw is available at 5/2 with Betfred, and perhaps it is worth noting that the last half-dozen East Midlands derbies have produced a winner. Perhaps we’re due a stalemate?

With the contest likely to be cagey – particularly in the early stages – I would be surprised if supporters were in for another goal fest. Instead, the evens offered by Victor Chandler on there being under 2.5 goals in the match has appeal for me.

I also like the look of William Hill’s 16/1 valuation of the home side leading at the break, with the game ending honours evening after ninety minutes.

With both clubs failing to pick up points in their last two matches, I wouldn’t be surprised if they took a share of the spoils from this one. A 1-1 scoreline seems very possible to me, and Coral’s best price of 13/2 is one that might be worth considering.

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Nottingham Forest v Derby County - Tense match set for tie

Saturday’s other early kick-off brings about the first East Midlands derby of the new Championship campaign. Steve McClaren’s Nottingham Forest have the perfect opportunity to get their campaign back on track, with a win over Derby lifting some pressure, albeit for the time being.